The UEFA Champions League returns this week with Matchday 2, promising some of the most mouth-watering fixtures of the group stage. From heavyweight rivalries to surprise challengers, Europe’s biggest stage is set for drama.
Early kick-offs feature Atalanta hosting Club Brugge and Kazakhstan’s Kairat facing 14-time champions Real Madrid, a clash that will test Los Blancos on unfamiliar territory. Belgian champions Union SG welcome Newcastle United, while Qarabag meet Copenhagen in another high-stakes encounter.
The later fixtures bring the real fireworks. In Spain, Atletico Madrid face Europa League winners Frankfurt, while Norway’s Bodø/Glimt welcome Premier League giants Tottenham. Over in London, Chelsea take on Benfica, in a battle of former champions.
Turkey will be buzzing as Galatasaray host Liverpool, a fixture that promises a fiery atmosphere, while Inter Milan aim to assert dominance against Slavia Prague. In France, Marseille face Ajax, rekindling a classic European rivalry.
Elsewhere, minnows Pafos take on Bayern Munich, and Arsenal host Olympiacos at the Emirates. Germany sees a heavyweight meeting as Borussia Dortmund lock horns with Athletic Club, while the standout tie of the night sees Barcelona clash with Paris Saint-Germain in a battle of superstars.
Other key fixtures include Leverkusen vs PSV, Monaco vs Manchester City, Napoli vs Sporting CP, and Villarreal vs Juventus, rounding off a thrilling Matchday 2 schedule.
With so many high-profile encounters, this week’s Champions League action could reshape the group standings and set the tone for the knockout race.
